What is 1/16 as a decimal?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To convert the fraction ( \frac{1}{16} ) into a decimal, you divide the numerator (1) by the denominator (16). This calculation can be performed using long division or a calculator.
Calculation:
- Set Up the Division: Start by setting up the division of 1 by 16.
- Perform the Division: Since 1 is less than 16, we can add a decimal point and zeros to 1. This makes it 1.000.
- 16 goes into 10 zero times, so we place a 0 before the decimal.
- Next, we look at 100. 16 goes into 100 six times (since ( 16 \times 6 = 96 )).
- Subtract 96 from 100, which leaves a remainder of 4.
- Bring down another 0 (making it 40). 16 goes into 40 two times (since ( 16 \times 2 = 32 )).
- Subtract 32 from 40, leaving a remainder of 8.
- Bring down another 0 (making it 80). 16 goes into 80 five times (since ( 16 \times 5 = 80 )).
- Subtracting 80 from 80 gives a remainder of 0.
Putting this all together, we find that ( 1 \div 16 = 0.0625 ).
Understanding the Decimal:
The decimal ( 0.0625 ) indicates that ( \frac{1}{16} ) is a small fraction of a whole. In practical terms, if you were to divide a whole into 16 equal parts, taking one of those parts would give you 0.0625 of the whole.
Significance in Mathematics:
Fractions and decimals are two ways of representing the same values. Understanding how to convert between them is crucial in mathematics, as it allows for easier calculations and comparisons. Decimals are often easier to work with, especially in operations like addition and multiplication, which is why knowing how to convert fractions into decimals is an essential skill in both academic settings and real-life applications.